The Environmental Protection Ministry has slapped fines amounting to NIS 1.5 million (roughly $400,000) on several leading vehicle importers for publishing car advertisements that were either lacking or presenting inaccurate air pollution data.

In a press release, the ministry said that it was the second year in which it imposed such fines on auto vendors, as a result of their failures to disclose proper air pollution data in their advertising.

"People who think about buying a new car have the right to receive complete information about the vehicle, including levels of fuel consumption and pollution grade according to international standards," Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan said.

"We will continue to work to make importers meet this obligation without concealing important information from the public."